3 Politics United since 1707 under the United Kingdom of Great BritainHead of state: British monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) (since 1952)Limited self-governmentRepresented in the British House of Commons by 59 MPsQueen Elisabeth IICoat of Arms

4 Government Scottish Parliament – elected in 1999, EdinburghScottish ExecutiveLocal governmentOwn system of laws, banking (own banknotes) and educationPound Sterling

7 Scottish Executive EdinburghLed by a First Minister (Jack McConnel-since 2001)Responsible for most of the issues of day-to-day concern to the people of Scotland, including health, education, justice, rural affairs, and transportManages an annual budgetJ. McConnel

8 Subdivisions of Scotland32 council areas were set up in 1996Governed by unitary authorities designated as „Councils“, the head is Provost or ConvenorThe four main cities of Scotland: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and DundeeCouncillors are elected every four years

10 Aberdeen City Council 43 elected members – represent AberdeenResponsibility for the well being and sustainable development of Aberdeen CityEducation, Social Work, Housing, Strategic Planning, Libraries, Transportation and Roads, Parks, etc.Head of the Council – Lord Provost

11 Lord Provost Aberdeen’s civic headElected by Aberdeen City Council every 4 yearsActive promotion of Aberdeen at home and abroadCity’s ambassadorGreets the Royal Family and visiting Heads of StateJohn Reynolds